Panasonic Lumix S9 review: Tempting option for content creators

Panasonic is trying to attract those same people with its latest full-frame mirrorless camera, the Lumix S9, which is priced aggressively at $$1,49,999 for the body and $$1,79,990 if you buy it with 20-60mm lens.

Now, I’ll admit up front that I’m not someone who’s very comfortable with professional cameras, and I’ve relied on smartphone cameras to do the work for me in the past. In fact, I don’t even take many photos and videos under normal circumstances, relying on the OnePlus 12 to do the work for me during long holidays or social occasions. So during my review, I wanted to see if Panasonic could convince me to ditch the OnePlus 12 (which does a lot more than just take photos and videos) and switch to the Lumix S9. I’ve been testing the camera for the past few weeks and here’s my full review.

Compact mirrorless camera for content creators:

The Lumix S9 comes in four colors: Jet Black, Crimson Red, Dark Olive and Night Blue. I received the Crimson Red version with the 20-60mm lens for my review, but unless you particularly like the color red, I recommend the Dark Olive variant, which left a much more premium impression on me.

Now, coming straight to the camera, the Lumix S9 looks compact yet attractive. It weighs around 486 grams, which is more than double the weight of even the heaviest smartphones, but is still considered quite light for a mirrorless camera. Even when paired with the 20-60mm lens, I found no problem carrying the Lumix S9 with me wherever I went, and I often had to check my bag to make sure it was still there (yes, it’s that light).

Taking a closer look at Panasonic’s latest camera, you’ll see the Lumix branding on the front and the camera release button in the bottom left corner. The HDMI and USB-C ports are on the right, while the microphone input is located in the top left corner. At the bottom you will find the battery compartment and an SD card slot.

While the Lumix S9 has all the standard buttons, a standout feature is the additional LUT button, designed specifically for content creators. This allows users to apply different color grading presets in real time, saving a lot of post-production work. There are several LUTs available by default, but if you can’t find what you need, there is the option to search for presets and import them into the camera via the new Lumix Labs app. Furthermore, all buttons on the Lumix S9 can also be customized according to the user’s preferences.

If you’re not too fond of buttons, the Lumix S9 also has a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, which can rotate 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically, allowing you to monitor the output in real time while recording or even take a selfie.

Two immediately noticeable issues with the Lumix S9 are the lack of a viewfinder, which can be a major hindrance for professional photographers, and the lack of a dedicated strap, which, while not a huge concern for me, could be an issue for some. users. .

That said, let’s focus on the positives. For content creators who rely on a cell phone camera for their photos, the Lumix S9 will be a significant upgrade, especially in low light, thanks to its 6K 30fps video recording capabilities and 5-axis Dual IS2, which significantly reduces blur. of the camera and allows for smoother handheld filming.

Another useful feature for content creators is Open Gate mode, which records video in a 3:2 aspect ratio. This allows users to later crop the footage into different aspect ratios, such as 16:9, 9:16 or 1:1, reducing the need to record the same video multiple times for different platforms (e.g. YouTube and Instagram).

I loved taking photos and recording videos with the Lumix S9, which captures natural skin tones and offers several bokeh options. As usual, a link to Lumix S9 RAW camera samples is included in this review to help readers decide on camera quality.

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Verdict: Who should buy the Lumix S9?

The Lumix S9 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera ideal for recording on the go. Designed with content creators in mind, it has plenty of features to win them over, including real-time LUTs, open port recording, solid image stabilization, and seamless connectivity with the Lumix Lab app.

However, there are some compromises that come with this compact design, such as the lack of a display and a dedicated strap. Additionally, the lack of weather protection may be a deal breaker for some, especially for people who shoot a lot in dusty or rain-prone environments.

So who is this camera for? I recommend the Lumix S9 for content creators who are just starting out or who have some experience but rely on smartphone cameras to record their videos. In fact, Lumix’s ergonomic design coupled with its unique functionality also makes it a tempting option for more experienced content creators.

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Published: October 24, 2024, 12:16 pm IST